From History of Walworth County Wisconsin, Vol. 1, by Albert Clayton Beckwith, 
publ. 1912 - Pages 751 - 752
 
ROBERT J. LEAN.  The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's 
modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon 
the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion 
on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens.  The life of Robert J. LEAN, 
of Geneva township, Walworth county, has been characterized by energy, 
perseverance and broad charity as well as well defined purpose and is 
therefore well deserving of mention in these pages.
 
Mr. LEAN was born in Cornwall, England, December 30, 1852.  He is the son of 
William and Ann (KNIGHT) LEAN, who brought him to America in August 1857.  
They settled first at Palmyra, Jefferson county, Wisconsin, where they 
remained about six years, then spent two or three years in Waukesha county, 
moving to Walworth county in 1866, locating on a farm in LaGrange township, 
and here Robert J. grew to manhood and attended the district schools.  His 
father died here on February 28, 1874, leaving a widow and four children, 
namely: William J., who lives at Lime Springs, Iowa; Thomas E. lives at 
Whitewater, this county; Frank died in June 1874; Robert J., of this review.
 
Thomas E. and Robert J. LEAN worked the home farm together until about 1900, 
the subject remaining on the home place until 1894, in March of which year he 
bought a farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres one mile east of Elkhorn, 
which was known as the "Cedar Lawn Farm," and here he has continued to reside, 
developing the same into one of the finest farms in this part of the county.  
Passersby do not fail to notice the well-kept condition of the place, the 
broad, attractive lawns, the fences, with turned posts, nicely painted, the 
inviting shade trees and shrubbery, the substantial, commodious barn and 
outbuildings and the cozy home, finished in hard wood and equipped with modern 
conveniences, such as hot water, heat, etc.
 
Mr. LEAN has made somewhat of a specialty of Shropshire sheep, and formerly he 
raised Durham cattle, but now keeps Holsteins.  He keeps well informed on 
agricultural and stock-raising topics, has many books treating on both, as 
well as a carefully selected general library.  He has been a good manager and 
has applied himself closely to his work.  He has been a director in the State 
Bank of Elkhorn ever since it was started, he being one of the organizers, and 
since January 1910, he has been vice-president of the same, discharging the 
duties of the position in an able and satisfactory manner.
 
Mr. LEAN has long manifested a lively interest in local public affairs, being 
one of the leaders in the Republican party.  He has held various offices in 
LaGrange township and has been chairman in Geneva township, and was president 
of the Walworth County Agricultural Society in 1892.
 
On December 10, 1884, Mr. LEAN was united in marriage with Lucelia Ann HORTON, 
daughter of Morris and Elizabeth (FROST) HORTON, the father born in England 
July 12, 1826, and her mother was born March 28, 1824.  Mr. HORTON was an 
early settler in Whitewater, in which city Mrs. LEAN was born and was educated.
 
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. LEAN, namely: Floyd Horton LEAN, born 
November 2, 1885; Ivan Frank LEAN, born March 27, 1889; William Harold LEAN, 
born December 14, 1897.  The wife and mother was called to her rest on March 
7, 1909.
 
Fraternally, Mr. LEAN is a member of the Masons, and the Modern Woodmen, and 
the Order of the Eastern Start at Elkhorn.

Submitted By:  Carol
(carolann612@charter.net)